Magnetization transfer contrast: its utility as a technique and its application to central nervous system pathology

Bagley, L. J. MD
Grossman, R. I. MD
McGowan, J. C. PhD

From the Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, PA.

Address correspondence and reprint requests to Linda J. Bagley, Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104.

Neurology 53(5):p S49-S51, September 22, 1999.

Article abstract

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is the pre-eminent modality for the detection and characterization of central nervous system pathology. However, in a variety of disease processes, histopathologic studies have often shown more extensive abnormalities in the brain and spinal cord than could be detected on conventional MR images. Magnetization transfer contrast (MTC) can be used qualitatively to augment differences between tissues and to accentuate gadolinium enhancement. Additionally, MTC may be used quantitatively to characterize tissues and potentially to detect otherwise microscopic disease.